Another perspective on our local city leadership.
Another View: Fargo: A mayor of vision and creativity
By Josh Pane -
Published 12:00 am PST Sunday, February 3, 2008
Josh Pane, a lobbyist and former Sacramento city councilman, is responding to Marcos Bretón's Jan. 13 column, "Fargo offers no vision, plays it safe."
Leadership is many things to many people. Some think you need to beat people over the head to get them to follow. Others think that you can create a vision and lead oh so quietly, without much fanfare.
Sacramento Mayor Heather Fargo has demonstrated the quiet courage of her convictions. By focusing on her vision for Sacramento, she has created a collaborative political leadership for our Northern California region.
With this city council, and those of the past, she has been at the forefront of our urban renaissance by investing in and promoting a vibrant Sacramento waterfront on both sides of the river, creating an arts and entertainment district and new urban living spaces.
Fargo pushed early for safe neighborhoods and revitalized parks for our families, knowing that the soul of any great city is in the strength of its neighborhoods.
Our mayor continues to build a vision of health and vitality, helping to promote projects that will serve our community and the region over the next 50 years: from the new Sutter Hospital campus to the Mercy Hospital Heart Center.
Could these projects have been put on a fast track? Yes. But would they have had as much input and review from our citizens? Would they have been the best projects that they could be? No. Not without the extensive inclusiveness promoted by the mayor's collaborative, positive and thoughtful leadership.
